Bereaved Parents Virtual Support Group

 This group is intended for parents who suffer the loss of their baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A SUPPORT GROUP?

• A safe environment where one can tell his or her story and express feelings freely, knowing that others will be understanding, non-judgmental, and supportive.
• A place for establishing a connection with others to decrease the isolation that grief brings.
• A forum for understanding common myths about grief and typical grief patterns.
• A place for people of all faiths to learn from each other through sharing their grief stories in a non-judgmental way.
• A community that validates and normalizes one’s emotional reactions.
• A place for learning that there are many different ways to grieve, all of which are natural and acceptable.
• A resource for gathering articles, poetry, and reading lists to further one’s awareness of the many aspects of grief. Discussion of articles can serve as a springboard for identifying important meanings in one’s own loss and to learn from examples of how others have faced their losses.
• A place for learning new coping skills, relaxation techniques, stress management skills, and daily survival skills that others in the group have found effective.
• The opportunity for members to help each other brings strength, confidence, and a new sense of purpose and value.
• Opportunities to learn ways to create memories and observe anniversaaries and other important milestones.
• A sounding board where members can present ongoing or new concerns, report on progress or challenges, and safely come back for help when they experience setbacks or backslides in their grief journeys.